Hardware Guides – Make Tech Easierhttps://www.maketecheasier.com
Uncomplicating the complicated, making life easierMon, 19 Mar 2018 14:00:20 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/themes/MTE-10/images/mtelogo.svghttp://images.maketecheasier.com/mtelogo-30px-height.svg337ab7What You Need to Know About AMD’s Vulnerability Reporthttps://www.maketecheasier.com/amd-vulnerability-report/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/amd-vulnerability-report/#respondFri, 16 Mar 2018 10:25:26 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=252154Using a computer, you usually expect that threats will come mostly at the software level. It doesn’t even cross our minds to think that the hardware itself can be a conduit to viruses and other sorts of nasty malware. The truth is that hackers will take any chance they can get to infiltrate your system, and CPUs can play a role in that. At the beginning of 2018, Intel’s CPUs were revealed to have a set of vulnerabilities known as Meltdown and Spectre. Just a few months later on March 14 of the same year, another set of vulnerabilities in AMD’s latest line of processors... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/amd-vulnerability-report/feed/0Intel Pentium Gold and Silver Explainedhttps://www.maketecheasier.com/intel-pentium-gold-silver-explained/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/intel-pentium-gold-silver-explained/#respondFri, 23 Feb 2018 15:50:22 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?post_type=post-ideas&p=248371Intel’s CPU naming conventions are certainly colorful. With names like Ivy Bridge, Skylake, and even Whiskey Lake, which sounds amazing, Intel’s Pentium Gold and Silver seem kind of tame. So what’s the story behind Intel’s new Pentium-naming convention? Pentium Gold? Intel’s Pentium Gold CPUs aren’t as special as the name makes them sound. Essentially, Intel just decided to start calling their Pentium processors based on Kaby Lake “Pentium Gold.” It’s purely marketing. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re not good CPUs. They’re just roughly the equivalent of previous Pentium generations. But What’s Kaby Lake? If you’re not already familiar, Kaby Lake is the code... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/intel-pentium-gold-silver-explained/feed/0Why Building a Gaming PC Is a Terrible Idea Right Nowhttps://www.maketecheasier.com/why-building-gaming-pc-terrible-idea-right-now/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/why-building-gaming-pc-terrible-idea-right-now/#commentsWed, 21 Feb 2018 00:25:01 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=247384Building a gaming PC is an absolutely terrible idea at the moment. Prices in just about everything are through the roof (though who knows when they’ll come down), and new products are just about to be launched. Instead of dropping, prices are climbing, with high demand and low supply providing the essential economic forces to create unaffordable prices. 1. Insane GPU Prices The most recent iteration of the cryptocurrency craze has pushed the prices for graphics cards through the roof. Because these cards can be used to mine cryptocurrency, all but the most pathetic graphics cards are selling for a fortune. In fact, if... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/why-building-gaming-pc-terrible-idea-right-now/feed/1How a Motherboard Workshttps://www.maketecheasier.com/how-motherboard-works/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-motherboard-works/#commentsSun, 18 Feb 2018 15:50:30 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=247134You have probably heard of a motherboard and know what one is, but do you really know how it works? Think of a motherboard as the headquarters of a large company. Without the headquarters, who is supposed to delegate tasks to the remaining employees? And that’s exactly what the motherboard is for. It is the central hub of a computer that connects everything together. Here’s an in-depth look at what a motherboard is and how it functions. What Is a Motherboard? A motherboard is a circuit board with various components that work in unison to make a computer function. We’ve established that a motherboard... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-motherboard-works/feed/1Which Is Better: Shutting Off Your PC or Putting It to Sleep?https://www.maketecheasier.com/pc-shutdown-or-sleep/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/pc-shutdown-or-sleep/#commentsWed, 14 Feb 2018 00:25:07 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=246836Shutting down your PC versus putting it to sleep has been a long-debated subject. Some argue that turning a computer on and off too many times will damage the components which decreases the overall lifespan. Others say that putting a computer to sleep is a waste of electricity, especially if left unused for an extended period of time. So who’s right in this matter? In this article we’ll explore the pros and cons of these options to decide which is better for your computer. What Happens During a Shutdown? A shutdown is like an off switch to software and hardware components. All opened programs receive... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/pc-shutdown-or-sleep/feed/11How Graphics Cards Workshttps://www.maketecheasier.com/how-graphics-card-works/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-graphics-card-works/#respondSun, 11 Feb 2018 22:25:18 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=247459Have you ever wondered how your computer works to produce the graphic on the screen? You probably know that the graphics card is in charge of producing those images, but how exactly does it produce those images? Here’s an in-depth look at all of the essential components of a graphics card and how it all works. Interface A graphics card interface is the part of a video card that connects directly to the motherboard to allow for the exchange of information. The two main types of interfaces are PCI Express and AGP. (There are also ISA, PCI, and PCI-X interfaces, though they are rare... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-graphics-card-works/feed/0Determine and Troubleshoot the Cause for a High CPU Temperaturehttps://www.maketecheasier.com/troubleshoot-high-cpu-temperature/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/troubleshoot-high-cpu-temperature/#respondSat, 10 Feb 2018 00:25:27 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=247126Do you notice your computer slowing down, restarting, or shutting down randomly? If so, a high CPU temperature might be the problem. CPU temperature should ideally run between 30 – 40°C, with some going as high as 70-80°C. Anything above that, especially in the 90°C zone, and you’re asking for throttling and failure to occur. Here’s an in-depth look at determining and troubleshooting the cause of a high CPU temperature. Lack of Thermal Paste Thermal paste fills in the gaps between a CPU processor and the heatsink and aids in efficient heat transfer. Running a CPU with no thermal paste is like driving a car... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/troubleshoot-high-cpu-temperature/feed/0How to Clean the Inside of Your Computerhttps://www.maketecheasier.com/clean-inside-of-computer/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/clean-inside-of-computer/#commentsThu, 08 Feb 2018 00:25:40 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=246591Computers attract dust bunnies like magnets to metal, but this doesn’t mean they’re a compatible match. An overload of dust in your computer’s crevices means a drop in performance and potential overheating. Luckily, this can be fixed with a deep clean of your computer hardware. (Don’t worry, this isn’t as scary as it sounds.) Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely clean the inside of your computer. You will need: Screwdrivers Q-tips Can of compressed air >90% isopropyl alcohol (optional but effective) Related: Is Your Computer Fan Too Loud? Here’s How to Fix it Dismantle and Grounding Start by powering off your... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/clean-inside-of-computer/feed/1How to Properly Apply Thermal Paste to a CPUhttps://www.maketecheasier.com/properly-apply-thermal-paste-to-cpu/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/properly-apply-thermal-paste-to-cpu/#respondSun, 04 Feb 2018 15:50:18 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=246587Is your CPU overheating or throttling? Although there are many causes for this, applying a fresh coat of thermal paste could be a quick fix to this type of problem. While it’s usually a common aspect of computer hardware to overlook, thermal paste is crucial to a CPU’s longevity and will keep your computer running for years to come. Here’s a further look at the importance of thermal paste and how to properly apply it to your CPU. What Is Thermal Paste? Also known as thermal grease, thermal paste acts as a medium between a CPU processor and the heat sink. Much like a... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/properly-apply-thermal-paste-to-cpu/feed/0Is G Sync Worth It? All You Need to Know About Nvidia’s Techhttps://www.maketecheasier.com/is-g-sync-worth-it-nvidia-tech/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/is-g-sync-worth-it-nvidia-tech/#respondWed, 31 Jan 2018 00:25:26 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=246499G Sync – everyone’s talking about it, everyone wants it, but does everyone know what it actually is? Nvidia’s not-so-secret weapon in the gaming arms race is cheaper to get your hands on now than it was a couple of years ago, so it’s a good time to do a little reflecting and ask whether it’s finally worth investing in. Here’s everything you need to know. Related: Nvidia Control Panel Settings: What Do They All Mean? How Does G-Sync Work To understand G-Sync, we must first understand V-sync and its limitations. You’re probably familiar with a little something called V-sync. (We wrote a whole article... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/is-g-sync-worth-it-nvidia-tech/feed/0AMD Radeon Settings – What Do They All Mean?https://www.maketecheasier.com/amd-radeon-global-graphics-settings/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/amd-radeon-global-graphics-settings/#commentsSat, 20 Jan 2018 22:25:14 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=167873If you have a gaming PC and decided to go down the less-trodden (but still scenic) AMD path for your graphics card, then you’ll be familiar with the Radeon Settings – formerly known as AMD Catalyst Control Center. For most people, this is probably a no-go zone, and you’re quite happy to let each individual game decide what graphics settings are best for you. Use it wisely, however, and this tool can take your gaming up a few notches. So to help you, here’s a list of all the main features you’ll find in Radeon Settings, with a particular focus on the “Gaming” and “Display” sections. Related:... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/amd-radeon-global-graphics-settings/feed/4Why You Need a Trackball Mousehttps://www.maketecheasier.com/why-you-need-trackball-mouse/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/why-you-need-trackball-mouse/#commentsThu, 18 Jan 2018 00:25:34 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=244347The vast majority of computer users get by with a standard mouse, but a select few absolutely adore trackballs. There are some good reasons for that love! If you are wondering if you need a trackball mouse, here is why a trackball mouse is the perfect tool for you. Comfort and Ergonomics In recent years the conversation about healthy ergonomics in the work place has grown. More workers are aware of the health risks and problems associated with long periods of sitting daily. It’s supremely unhealthy, and many companies have made a serious effort to help modern office workers reduce the risks of desk-bound... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/why-you-need-trackball-mouse/feed/8The Difference Between a WiFi Booster, Repeater, and Extender, Explainedhttps://www.maketecheasier.com/difference-between-wi-fi-booster-repeater-extender/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/difference-between-wi-fi-booster-repeater-extender/#commentsMon, 15 Jan 2018 22:25:46 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?post_type=post-ideas&p=235060When you want to extend the coverage of your WiFi network, you can do it with special hardware, called “booster,” “repeater,” or “extender.” These three terms are basically the same and are frequently used interchangeably, though there are some differences in the functions of each of them. What’s a WiFi Booster? Surprise, surprise, a WiFi booster boosts the signal! I couldn’t find many reliable definitions of a WiFi booster – the best was this one from Signal Booster, a commercial company in the booster business. According to this definition, “A WiFi signal booster extends WiFi network coverage space by boosting or amplifying existing signals.” The... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/difference-between-wi-fi-booster-repeater-extender/feed/1A Guide to Retro Game Emulation with RetroPiehttps://www.maketecheasier.com/retro-game-emulation-retropie/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/retro-game-emulation-retropie/#commentsSat, 13 Jan 2018 00:25:55 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=128540Emulating video game systems and computers is one of the things that the Raspberry Pi has always been good at, right from the start. In this article we will explain how to get set up with Retropie, one of the best all-in-one plug ‘n play retro gaming solutions, and how to work around systems that don’t work flawlessly. Juicy Slice of Pi Initially, Retropie was just a concept of how simple an all-in-one retro gaming platform could be, so it took a while for the specs to match this cool idea. The plan was to make a simple front end for all the best emulators... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/retro-game-emulation-retropie/feed/2What Is a Chromebook, and How Is It Different than a Laptop?https://www.maketecheasier.com/what-is-chromebook/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/what-is-chromebook/#commentsThu, 11 Jan 2018 00:25:21 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=244327If you’ve been in the market for a laptop recently, you may have seen a type of laptop called a “Chromebook” It might sound a little weird; after all, isn’t Chrome a web browser? Why are there laptops named after it? Chromebooks fill a specific niche in the laptop world. If you purchase one expecting something similar to a normal laptop, you may end up very disappointed with your purchase. However, if your needs and wants from a laptop match what a Chromebook does, you may find yourself saving a bit of money in the process! What Are The Differences? So, how do Chromebooks differ... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/what-is-chromebook/feed/143 Interesting Uses for Multiple Mouse and Keyboards on Your PChttps://www.maketecheasier.com/uses-multiple-mice-keyboards-pc/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/uses-multiple-mice-keyboards-pc/#respondSat, 09 Dec 2017 15:50:57 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=238090Most of us are only using one set of keyboard and mouse for our PC, but did you know that you can connect multiple sets of keyboards and mouse and have them all control your PC at the same time? It may sound like a silly thing to do, but there are some interesting uses for such a setup. Here are three things that you can do after connecting multiple mice or keyboards to your Windows PC. 1. Use multiple keyboards for multiplayer games A membrane keyboard (the one we normally use) only allows up to four key presses at a time. This is sufficient... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/uses-multiple-mice-keyboards-pc/feed/0How Loud Should Your Headphones Be?https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-loud-should-headphones-be/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-loud-should-headphones-be/#commentsTue, 05 Dec 2017 22:25:47 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?post_type=post-ideas&p=235048Loud music makes you feel good, but your ears might not agree. Yes, listening to loud music for prolonged periods of time can and does irreversibly damage your hearing. How loud is too loud when it comes to headphones? Here are some tips on how to use headphones to listen to music or other audio without damaging your ears. Can Headphones Really Impair Your Hearing? We all know about painters going blind and musicians going deaf, but we somehow don’t think any of these can happen to us. Of course, when you are a professional musician and are exposed to loud noise all the time,... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-loud-should-headphones-be/feed/2How to Change Your Password on Raspberry Pi (Raspbian OS)https://www.maketecheasier.com/change-raspberry-pi-password/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/change-raspberry-pi-password/#commentsMon, 04 Dec 2017 22:25:28 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?post_type=post-ideas&p=215334The Raspberry Pi is a great invention – an affordable, hand-sized computer created by a foundation of industry experts to help people of all ages learn how to code and bring their tech ideas to life. Since 2015, Raspbian has been officially provided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation as the primary operating system for use on the Pi. One trade-off of it being easy to use is that there are a few security issues with Raspbian out of the box. Thankfully, Raspbian is highly customizable so these are fairly straightforward to fix. This guide will walk you through the first few steps to securing your... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/change-raspberry-pi-password/feed/22.4GHz vs. 5GHz on a Router: Which Is Better?https://www.maketecheasier.com/24ghz-vs-5ghz-which-is-better/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/24ghz-vs-5ghz-which-is-better/#commentsMon, 04 Dec 2017 15:50:22 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=239312If you’re connected via the Internet using a router, there’s a strong chance that you have enabled WiFi on it. It’s become such a common thing in every household and establishment frequented by the public that people have even made jokes (e.g. “I know they don’t serve anything interesting at the bar, but at least it has WiFi”). If you’ve been shopping for a router recently, you’ve probably found some that advertise the ability to broadcast at the 5 GHz band. What is up with that? Is this any better than the 2.4 GHz most devices currently use? Related: How to Find the Best WiFi... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/24ghz-vs-5ghz-which-is-better/feed/13Removable vs. Non-Removable Battery in Phone: The Pros and Conshttps://www.maketecheasier.com/removable-vs-non-removable-battery/
https://www.maketecheasier.com/removable-vs-non-removable-battery/#commentsTue, 21 Nov 2017 00:25:13 +0000https://www.maketecheasier.com/?p=233905When you’re in the market for a new smartphone, what features do you typically look for? Perhaps you need to know what processor is installed or the quality of its camera. The battery’s quality is another key decision-maker when picking out a new phone. This time, however, we’re not going to discuss how long a battery lasts. We’re going to discuss the removable vs. non-removable battery issue. It’s not something you usually see advertised alongside battery life, screen size, and camera megapixels. Sometimes they’re called “non-removable,” and sometimes they’re “built-in.” However, removable and non-removable batteries have their fair share of differences (one of which you... Read more]]>https://www.maketecheasier.com/removable-vs-non-removable-battery/feed/9